Our thoughts are with the countless people and businesses, including many of Earl’s customers, who have been affected by the devastating fires in the North Bay. We have had an incredible outpouring of support from our Growing Community during this challenging time.

We are pleased to be partnering with the following organic growers to donate fresh organic produce to the Redwood Empire Food Bank in Santa Rosa. Additionally Earl’s is donating organic produce to the Ukiah Coop who in turn is delivering to local evacuation centers and feeding the firefighters. We recognize that the call for assistance is on-going and we will continue to donate as long as is needed.

ORGANIC GROWERS DONATING TO THE RELIEF FUND

Chelan Fresh- Chelan, Washington

Del Cabo- California

Organic Girl- Salinas, CA

Tutti Frutti- Lompoc, CA

Lakeside-Salinas, CA

Braga Family Farms-Soledad,CA

Calo-Bakersfield, CA

Bridges- Pacific Northwest

Doreva- Atwater, CA

Corbin Cash-Atwater, CA

Johnston Family Farms-Winters, CA

Jay Leaf- Salinas, CA

Wholesum Family Farms-Nogales, Mexico

Homegrown Organic Farms – Porterville, CA

Corona College Heights Orange & Lemon Association – Riverside, CA

If you are looking to help in the relief efforts here are a few organizations we recommend:

Oliver’s Marketin Sonoma County has set up a customer matching program. In addition to a $10,000 initial contribution, they will match up to $25,000 additional dollars in customer contributions to the North Bay Fire Relief Fund. Let your checker know at any Oliver’s location the amount they would like to contribute. #sonomacountystrong

The San Francisco Giants have a special place in Earl’s heart. The Bay Area professional sports teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland A’s, San Jose Earthquakes, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Raiders, San Jose Sharks and the Golden State Warriors have established a You Caring sitefor fans to donate.

I would like to give you an update with regard to the organic fresh carrot category (cellos, tables) for fall 2017.

This summer, Kern County experienced 68 days above 100 degree temperatures- over double the yearly average of 33 days. Unseasonably warm summer days produced its share of challenges, but thankfully we were able to finish the season on time without the need to pro-rate orders. As we transition to fall, however, we find ourselves facing another challenging time. Planting during a season of extreme heat has made it difficult to obtain normal stand counts, and above-average soil temperatures have essentially shut down carrot growth.

While we have been sampling product for weeks leading into the fall season, our organic fresh carrot crop has not progressed to meet our standards. Currently, weather is optimal and we expect to gain tonnage and size, however we do not believe that we will have normal tonnage for at least 3-4 weeks.

Pro-rates will begin on October 16 for organic cell and table carrots and will continue until further notice- we expect this period to last four weeks. Organic baby carrots will not be pro-rated at this time, however we do not have additional pounds available.

We planted on time with the correct acreage projected, however the weather has not cooperated with our carrots this summer. We truly appreciate the partnership we have shared with you over the years and will continue to closely monitor this situation to keep you informed. Please feel free to contact your Earl’s sales representative for more information.

The outside of a pomegranate is very hard and only the inside arils which cover the seeds in a red translucent material are edible. It may seem like a lot of work to get to the arils, but it is well worth it. Cut off the top and bottom of the fruit, score the fruit and then open it into two halves. Place the halves in a bowl of water and use your fingers to gently separate the seeds from the white, spongy membrane. The inedible white membranes will float to the top of the water and leave you all the delicious arils at the bottom. Be careful not to get the juice on your hands and clothes because it will stain.